Environment and Sustainability BSc (Hons) - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Environment and Sustainability
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| Ord | Environment and Sustainability |
| DipHE | Environment and Sustainability |
| CertHE | Environment and Sustainability |
Professional recognition
Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)
Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UFG10001 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UFG10002 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - School of Engineering
Programme Leader
SEYMOUR Valentine (Sch of Eng)
Date of production/revision of spec
11/09/2025
Educational aims of the programme
- To equip students with wide-ranging and in-depth understanding of local and global sustainability challenges
- To equip students with the research and analytical skills appropriate for evaluating sustainability challenges and solutions
- To develop in students a good understanding of key concepts such as resilience, life cycle thinking, the circular economy, knowledge systems for sustainable development, and the history and geography of the environment and sustainability.
- To provide students with the policy context of sustainable development
- To develop in students strong inter-disciplinary competences so they can act effectively in interdisciplinary learning or work situations
- To develop in students strong inter-disciplinary competences so they can act effectively in interdisciplinary learning or work situations
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Be able to articulate key concepts and theories relating to global inequality and poverty | KC | CertHE | |
| Understand the benefits of using qualitative and quantitative research methods | KC | CertHE | |
| Be able to collect and analyse qualitative data | CPT | CertHE | |
| Understand the dynamic nature of the natural environment and human impacts on the natural systems at the planetary scale | KC | CertHE | |
| Be able to analyse simple human-environment interactions | PT | CertHE | |
| Understand the key global challenges to achieving sustainable development | KC | CertHE | |
| Be able to apply indicators to measure different aspects of sustainable development | CP | CertHE | |
| Understand the science behind key environmental problems like climate change | KC | CertHE | |
| Be able to interpret and describe the results of spatial data analysis | PT | CertHE | |
| Be able to collect and analyse quantitative data | CPT | DipHE | |
| Be able to present sustainability related information in an accessible format for a public audience | PT | DipHE | |
| Understand the key characteristics of environmental law | KC | DipHE | |
| Understand function of key international organisations in facilitating international cooperation and development | KC | DipHE | |
| Be able to critical assess environmental assessment reports | KPT | DipHE | |
| Understand the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and be able to articulate key policy debates about sustainable urbanisation | KC | Ord | |
| Be able to analyse a product from a life cycle perspective to identify its key sustainability impacts | KCPT | Ord | |
| Be able to formulate a research question and design an appropriate methodology and carryout research relating to sustainable development | KCPT | BSc (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Select one optional module in Semester 2
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Select one optional module in Semester 1 and two optional modules in semester 2.
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Select one optional module in Semester 2
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Select one optional module in Semester 1 and two optional modules in semester 2.
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGP014 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR - FULL YEAR STUDY | Core | 120 | Year-long |
| ENGP015 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR - FULL YEAR WORK | Core | 120 | Year-long |
| ENGP016 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR (WORK - STUDY 50/50) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Global and cultural capabilities
Fostering a sustainable approach to social change helps students engage with global challenges like climate change, community regeneration, and food systems. It encourages critical appreciation of interconnected social, economic, and environmental issues. This is achieved through diverse learning methods, including course materials, peer-to-peer learning, varied assessments, and guest speakers. These approaches promote critical thinking and discussions on sustainability's intersection with social issues, highlighting how different cultures address shared challenges while promoting environmental responsibility and social equity.
Digital capabilities
The skills students acquire in using these software tools are transferrable and essential for their future careers in the environment and sustainability sector. GIS and R Studio, in particular, will empower students to work with spatial data and conduct advanced data analysis, both of which are crucial in solving modern sustainability problems. Furthermore, several modules will incorporate online quizzes as part of the assessment process, requiring students to familiarize themselves with digital tools for presenting technical content. They will also engage with social media tools, including blog posts and video film. These experiences ensure that students are well-prepared for the increasingly digital and data-driven demands of the sustainability field.
Employability
Employability is central to this programme, with a focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become career-ready graduates who are highly sought after by employers. The integration of employability is woven throughout the entire program, with specific emphasis on relevant skills in each module descriptor. Some examples include the fieldtrip visits and workshops on potential sustainability-related Professional Training Year employers, modules designed to meet employers, guest lectures by Professionals working at Natural England, IKEA, and other sustainability focused consultancies.
Resourcefulness and resilience
Students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey, enhanced by a diverse range of modules and activities, including classroom settings, field trips, individual and group tasks, and online environments. This fosters self-management and emphasizes active, independent learning, empowering students to take ownership of their education. Group activities like presentations, environmental monitoring, and social media campaigns help students adapt to diverse perspectives, build resilience, and strengthen their resourcefulness. Critical thinking and sustainability judgment further develop as they challenge assumptions in sustainability theory and practice.
Sustainability
Sustainability is central to this degree programme. As such, the creation of the programme in this regard has been informed in part by the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). The programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences whilst working in partnership with the new Surrey CIFAL ¿ a United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) training centre recently established at the University of Surrey. Throughout the programme students will develop critical awareness, appreciation and knowledge relating to the importance of sustainability within the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to delve deeper into these issues through their own research projects, while also benefiting from the broader University network. This includes collaboration with relevant researchers and sustainability practitioners, many of whom are invited as guest speakers in various modules.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.